Technology's Role In Reducing Pollution: Innovations For Cleaner Air

Technology has been both a boon and bane for the environment. While it has helped us in maintaining and cleaning up pollution, it has also been responsible for emitting heat and causing pollution. However, with continuous development and the help of new innovations like Artificial Intelligence, Big Data, and 5G, we can achieve our energy transition goals to curb the effects of global warming and reduce pollution. This includes adopting new technologies that are more energy efficient and less polluting, as well as technologies that help other technologies become cleaner.

Reduce digital pollution by adopting habits like writing concise emails and limiting cloud storage

Digital pollution is a serious issue, with the digital sector creating several types of pollution. Firstly, there's the pollution involved in manufacturing electronic devices, which requires a significant amount of fossil fuels, chemicals, and water. Secondly, there's the pollution caused by our daily digital consumption, such as internet searches, streaming, and sending emails.

To reduce digital pollution, we can adopt simple habits in our daily lives. Here are some ways to reduce pollution by writing concise emails and limiting cloud storage:

Write Concise Emails

• Keep messages brief and concise: Only include necessary information and avoid unnecessary details. This reduces the energy required to transmit and store the email.
• Avoid unnecessary emails: If you can convey the same information through a conversation or an internal messaging tool like Slack, opt for that instead of sending an email.
• Limit the number of recipients: Only copy people who really need to be included in the email thread. This reduces the chances of the email being stored unread, thus consuming more energy.
• Use hyperlinks instead of attachments: Whenever possible, hyperlink files or information held online instead of attaching them directly to the email. Attachments increase the size of the email and, consequently, the energy required to transmit and store it.
• Streamline your emails: Before sending an email, check it thoroughly to avoid follow-up emails due to missing attachments or information. This reduces the overall number of emails being sent.

Limit Cloud Storage

• Delete old emails: Regularly clean out your inbox and delete old emails that are no longer needed. This reduces the amount of data stored in data centres, which consume a lot of energy for storage and cooling.
• Unsubscribe from newsletters: Only subscribe to newsletters that you're genuinely interested in. By unsubscribing from unwanted newsletters, you reduce the number of emails being stored and the energy required to transmit them.
• Store files locally: Instead of relying solely on cloud storage, store files on your hard drive or local storage devices. This reduces the demand for energy-intensive cloud storage.
• Manage mailing lists: If you manage mailing lists for newsletters or promotional emails, keep them clean and updated. Remove inactive or obsolete email addresses to avoid sending emails that will go unread and contribute to digital pollution.
• Use anti-spam tools: Install and regularly use anti-spam tools to reduce the amount of spam emails that end up in your inbox. Spam emails contribute significantly to digital pollution, as they are often sent in large volumes and go unread.

By adopting these habits, we can collectively reduce the environmental impact of our digital activities and contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

Use catalytic converters to reduce harmful vehicular exhaust emissions

Catalytic converters are an essential part of a vehicle's exhaust system, helping to lower the number of toxic pollutants emitted into the air. They do this by converting hazardous combustion gases into less harmful substances, such as water vapour and carbon dioxide. This process involves exposing the fumes to chemicals and metals inside the converter, prompting chemical reactions that transform otherwise toxic pollutants into relatively harmless ones.

The core purpose of catalytic converters in automotive systems is to reduce the emission of harmful pollutants from engine exhaust gases, making them more environmentally friendly. Their effectiveness and reliability are vital not only for maintaining vehicle performance but also for contributing to efforts to reduce atmospheric pollution.

Catalytic converters use a chamber called a catalyst to change harmful compounds from an engine's emissions into safe gases, like steam. They work to split up the unsafe molecules in the gases that a car produces before they are released into the air.

The catalytic converter is located on the underside of a vehicle and looks like a large metal box, with two pipes coming out of it. The converter uses these two pipes and the catalyst during the process of making the gases safe to be expelled.

Gases are brought in from the "input" pipe connected to the engine of a vehicle. These are blown over the catalyst, which causes a chemical reaction that breaks apart the pollutants. The less harmful gases now travel through the second pipe, or the "output", which is connected to the car's tailpipe.

Types of catalytic converters

There are two primary types of catalysts used within exhaust systems to handle specific gases:

• Reduction catalysts — Help reduce nitrogen oxide pollution by removing oxygen. Nitrogen oxides are broken up into nitrogen and oxygen gases, which are harmless on their own.
• Oxidation catalysts — Used to change carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide through a process of adding oxygen.

Depending on the year and type of vehicle, there might only be an oxidation catalyst in place. There are two primary kinds of car converters:

• Two-way — These were present in vehicles in the United States until 1981. They only have oxidation catalysts, which help change carbon monoxide into carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons (unburned and partially burned fuel) into carbon dioxide and water.
• Three-way — Since 1981, three-way catalytic converters have been used. They perform the same functions as the two-way converter but with the addition of a reduction catalyst.

History of catalytic converters

Catalytic converter prototypes were first designed in France in the late 19th century, but it wasn't until the mid-1950s that French mechanical engineer Eugene Houdry received a patent for his research into developing catalytic converters for gasoline engines.

Houdry's development of the catalytic converter was driven by his concerns about the impact of smokestack and automobile exhaust on air pollution. He began by developing converters for smokestacks and later for warehouse forklifts that used low-grade, unleaded gasoline. In the 1950s, he expanded his research to focus on catalytic converters for gasoline engines in cars.

The first production catalytic converter was created in 1973 by a team of engineers at Engelhard Corporation, and their widespread use began around 1975. This was in response to the US Environmental Protection Agency's stricter regulation of exhaust emissions, with most gasoline-powered vehicles manufactured from 1975 onwards being equipped with catalytic converters.

Implement scrubbers to remove industrial air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and hydrogen sulfide

Scrubbers, or flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) technology, are an effective method for removing sulfur dioxide (SO2) from the exhaust of industrial power plants. SO2 is a colorless, reactive gas that is released into the air through various manufacturing processes, particularly the combustion of coal for power generation. Human activities are the predominant global source of SO2, and it is harmful to both human health and the environment.

Scrubbers work by spraying a wet slurry of an alkaline sorbent, usually limestone or lime, into a large chamber where the flue gas passes through. The calcium in the limestone reacts with the SO2 in the flue gas, and the resulting calcium sulfate, commonly known as synthetic gypsum, is removed from the exhaust before it is released into the atmosphere. This synthetic gypsum is recyclable and used in the manufacturing of wallboard and cement, as well as in agricultural and construction applications.

There are variations in scrubber design, with some using other chemicals such as magnesium oxide or seawater to react with the SO2. The gas can flow either concurrently or counter-currently with the scrubbing liquor, and the high-velocity turbulence caused by Venturi openings ensures maximum gas-to-liquid contact. The droplets absorb the SO2 and impact and drop particulates out of the stream. The scrubbed gas is then sent through a demister or re-heater to prevent condensation before being exhausted into the atmosphere.

The pH of the scrubbing solution is critical to the functioning of the scrubber system and must be carefully monitored and controlled. Lime slurries are generally alkaline with a control point near a pH of 12, while limestone slurries are more neutral. Maintaining the proper pH range can only be determined through experience, and the pH sensor is typically located in the re-circulating tank or line.

By implementing scrubbers, industrial power plants can effectively remove SO2 from their emissions, reducing air pollution and mitigating potential negative impacts on human health and the environment.

Develop and use low-emitting consumer products and building materials to reduce indoor air pollution

Overview

The indoor environment is susceptible to air pollution from various sources, including building materials, consumer products, and outdoor contaminants. To improve indoor air quality, it is essential to select and use low-emitting products and materials that minimize the release of pollutants. This approach not only enhances indoor air quality but also contributes to a healthier living or working environment for occupants.

Building Materials

When constructing or renovating a building, it is crucial to consider the potential impact of building materials on indoor air quality. Some materials, such as carpets, paints, adhesives, and composite wood products, can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs), semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), formaldehyde, and other toxic chemicals. To reduce indoor air pollution, specify materials with low or no emissions:

• Opt for low-VOC and water-based adhesives, coatings, and paints.
• Choose formaldehyde-free and composite wood products that meet formaldehyde emissions standards.
• Select flooring products that have been tested and certified for low VOC emissions, such as those with the CRI Green Label or FloorScore certification.
• Use low-emitting textiles for floor coverings, such as those with the GUT label.
• Look for products with ecolabels and quality labels that certify lower environmental impact, such as the Blue Angel certification.

Consumer Products

Consumer products, including cleaning supplies, personal care items, and office equipment, can also contribute to indoor air pollution. To minimize this, consider the following:

• Choose products with low or no emissions, avoiding those containing benzene or methylene chloride.
• Ensure proper ventilation during and after the use of products that emit fumes or dust, such as cleaning and painting supplies.
• Store opened containers of paint or paint thinners outdoors rather than indoors.
• Cover and leave undisturbed any lead paint or asbestos-containing materials when remodelling or demolishing older buildings.

Design and Installation Considerations

In addition to selecting low-emitting products and materials, the design and installation process plays a vital role in reducing indoor air pollution:

• Specify installation and maintenance requirements that minimize the use of adhesives, sealants, or coatings that emit VOCs.
• Prioritize materials that are easy to clean and maintain, reducing the likelihood of mould growth.
• Sequence the installation of materials to minimize the adsorption of VOCs by "fuzzy" or "fleecy" materials. Install soft finishes after painting and allow adequate ventilation.
• Implement proper ventilation techniques during and after construction or renovations to flush out pollutants.
• Prevent the infiltration of outdoor pollutants by designing effective barriers.

Encourage recycling to salvage valuable materials from waste and reduce manufacturing costs

Recycling is a crucial aspect of reducing pollution and mitigating its harmful effects on the environment and human communities. By encouraging recycling practices, we can salvage valuable materials from waste, reduce manufacturing costs, and foster a more sustainable future. Here are some ways to encourage recycling and its benefits:

Salvaging Valuable Materials

The recycling process involves collecting and processing materials that would otherwise be discarded as trash and transforming them into new products. This process helps conserve natural resources by reducing the need to extract raw materials such as timber, water, and minerals. For instance, recycling metals, brick, wood, concrete, and roofing materials from construction waste can provide reusable resources instead of them being sent to landfills. Additionally, recycling technologies can recover valuable materials from waste, such as gene-engineered plants that don't require chemical insecticides and fuel cells for electricity generation.

Reducing Manufacturing Costs

Recycling offers significant cost savings for manufacturers. By recycling waste materials, manufacturers can reduce their raw material costs. For example, collaborating with local recycling partners enables manufacturers to reclaim metal waste from production, lowering their expenses. Recycling also helps manufacturers avoid or reduce landfill tipping fees, which have been steadily increasing. Furthermore, certain recycled materials, such as cardboard, can be sold or reused, generating additional revenue or reducing packaging costs.

Environmental Benefits

Encouraging recycling practices has a positive impact on the environment. Recycling reduces pollution and emissions by diverting waste away from landfills and incinerators. According to the US EPA, recycling and composting of municipal solid waste saved over 193 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2018. Additionally, recycling conserves energy. Recycling just 10 plastic bottles saves enough energy to power a laptop for more than 25 hours. By reducing the need for raw materials and energy consumption, recycling helps create a healthier planet for current and future generations.

Policy Incentives and Community Initiatives

Local governments play a crucial role in encouraging recycling. They can enact ordinances that require or incentivize a minimum percentage of materials from construction and demolition to be recycled or salvaged instead of landfilled. For example, the City of San Francisco mandates a 65% minimum diversion rate of construction and demolition debris from landfills. Such policies encourage developers to adopt more sustainable practices and use materials that can be easily reused or recycled. Additionally, communities can promote deconstruction, which involves taking apart existing constructions instead of demolition, making it easier to salvage, reuse, and recycle materials.

Education and Awareness

Educating communities about the benefits of recycling is essential. Many people are unsure about what items can be recycled and how to recycle them properly. Providing clear guidelines and raising awareness about the environmental and economic advantages of recycling can motivate individuals and businesses to recycle more effectively.

Frequently asked questions